I HOPE you all had a great Easter surrounded by friends and family, as well as enjoying a well-deserved rest over the four-day weekend, writes Redditch MP Rachel Maclean.
Last Monday I stood in solidarity with the Jewish community in Parliament Square to speak out against the rise in anti-Semitism in politics. Anti-Semitism is the oldest form of hate and there is no place for it in our society.
Like every week in Parliament, my diary is filled with debates and meetings, but one debate in particular last week was very close to my heart.
Social mobility and making sure everyone has equal opportunities, whatever their background, to get on in life is a cause I’ve long campaigned on and championed.
That’s why I was thrilled to attend Justine Greening’s Westminster Hall debate on social mobility where I took the opportunity to praise the Redditch businesses who are involved in my mentors’ initiative.
It’s fantastic to see businesses here in Redditch working with young people to make sure they have the skills and the mindset they need to achieve their dreams.
As ever, the Alex remains at the top of my agenda and once again I met with the Health Minister, Steve Barclay, to discuss my Urgent Care Centre campaign and the issue of the £29.6million capital funding.
It is vital the Urgent Care Centre is in place at the Alex for next winter to relieve pressure on A&E. Thank you to the hundreds of residents who have already signed my petition as this demonstrates to our local CCG that our town wants the Urgent Care Centre as soon as possible. I’ve seen claims on social media that the Urgent Care Centre will result in the downgrading of A&E. I can assure you this simply is not true.
The takeover of GKN by Melrose also dominated my agenda. I welcome the legally binding agreements the Business Secretary, Greg Clark, has sought with Melrose. I’m now calling on Melrose to remain true to their word and stand by these commitments.
I want to see GKN’s headquarters remain in Redditch and I will be making this very clear when I meet with the Business Secretary to discuss the takeover. Redditch is GKN’s home and I hope it remains that way.
